piano lessons

Classical Piano Tuition

I teach practical music and theory for grades 1- 8 and diplomas. Teaching technique, posture, sight reading, scales and Hanon exercises. As well as working towards ABRSM grade 1-8 exams and Diploma level (DipABRSM) I also teach students to read their favourite classical pieces for a lifetime of piano enjoyment.

Jazz & Blues

There is very little written music in this type of learning. The basics involve learning the blues scales and simple chord progressions.
After only a handful of lessons students are able to play their own little inventions based on the material I give them.

Pop Music

Many students like to play pop / rock songs as well as classical music. I am able to provide sheet music tailored to a student’s ability and also can teach music by ear or chord symbols. I also teach people how to adapt music written for a full band to solo piano. With this students can learn how to play anything.

About piano lessons

With more than 12 years of teaching experience I enjoy inspiring others to play all genres of music. I hold a degree in classical music from Leeds University and two ABRSM diplomas. Find out more about my experience and specialisms on my “piano lessons” page.

Your first lesson is free; lessons start from £13

“My piano lessons with Matthew are a delight.
We cover classical music as well as blues and jazz and my favourite, the standards of Gershwin and we tackle all of these topics from reading sheet music as well as from listening and learning chords and improvisation. Matthew also persuaded me to prepare for the RSM exams so now I am the proud possessor of both Grade 5 practical and theory certificates and am preparing for Grade 6.
Although I am in my 60’s and Matthew is much younger, he is never patronising, just always encouraging and motivating and great to learn with. I would encourage anyone to take up lessons with Matthew.”

Now a parent of four children who all liked to ‘tinkle’ on the piano at home, I needed to find a piano teacher. Finding Matthew Watts was, quite simply, a stroke of good fortune. I honestly thought that the kids would, as so many do, attend a few lessons only to decide that they wanted to drop piano in favour of some other hobby, how wrong I was! Three years on, three of our four children are still actively playing and not only that – their interest and determination to succeed just keeps on growing!

He’s inspirational, he’s enthusiastic and his unique approach to music and learning is universal to all ages and abilities.”

“Matthew has been teaching my daughter since she turned 9. Just 6 months on she has passed her Grade 1 with Merit. Matthew is clear, kind and methodical. I have seen her confidence in her own ability grow enormously and she thoroughly enjoys practicing, and looking for new and interesting pieces to play. A massive departure from the lessons that were provided in school. I have recommended him to others and will continue to do so.”

“Matt teaches my son piano with great patience and perseverance. My son wants to play his own version a lot of the time, which Matt understands (and would love to encourage) but also knows that it would be a disservice to him if he didn’t instil the basics at this stage, especially reading music. My son recently passed grade 1 with Distinction and I’m sure that was due to Matt’s connection with him and his persistence in not allowing him to take short cuts. Matt is very ‘on the ball’, punctual and communicates well. I have no hesitation in recommending him.
Last night was Matt’s ‘annual concert’ at Square Chapel in Halifax, where many of his students performed their latest piece on a Steinway Grand Piano in the Red Brick Auditorium to 150+ people (my estimate, since the room seats 220). It was a fantastic evening, with great support for all those that took part (30+ students), from tiny children playing Jingle Bells, to more mature adults playing Grade 8 pieces, Chopin, and beyond. It was an inspirational evening and despite having to coerce my son to take part, he came away more confident and proud of his achievements, and talking about playing a grade 3 piece next year!”

“I chose Mat as my piano teacher on the recommendation of a work colleague, whose wife and daughter were doing really well.
Having started learning in my mid 50’s, I was quite nervous about how much progress I would make. Mat is just great, friendly, funny, instructive, and supportive. When I’m stuck or struggling, he can always find a different way to help me along. He himself seems to be able to play anything and everything which in itself is quite inspiring.
Just passed ABRSM Grade 2, so I’m starting to feel like a real piano player now! Never thought I’d progress so well in a short time.”

“Matthew has been my piano tutor for over three years. In that time he has taken me from Grades 5 – 7, but more than that he has taught me how to not only play the piano, but also how to play music. He’s improved how I play the aesthetics of a piece and how to compose music for myself. My confidence has improved greatly when playing and I am now happy to play in public. I have thoroughly enjoy my lessons with Matt, he is very approachable and I love the way he teaches lessons!”